News - Page 148 of 1915 - Potomac Local News

Costs Balloon for Drew Middle School Replacement

Published August 13, 2024 at 12:23PM

The Stafford County School Board met on Tuesday, August 6, to discuss several significant capital improvement projects, focusing on school replacements, renovations, and new facilities. Acting Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Chris Fulmer led the discussion, emphasizing the early stages of these projects and the need for careful planning.

One of the main topics was the replacement of Drew Middle School. The projected costs for this project have increased from the previously approved $96 million to an estimated $115 to $120 million. Fulmer noted that the increase is due to the higher square footage required, land costs, and off-site improvements requested by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). “We’re anticipating having an architect on board in November,” Fulmer said, adding that the planning and design schedules are compressed due to the immediate needs of the school division.

Long-Time Friends Open Storefront in Historic Manassas

By Caitlyn Meisner

Published August 13, 2024 at 10:00AM

Katie Baynard and Sara Hargrove at their new location in Historic Manassas.

Long-time friends Katie Baynard and Sara Hargrove have opened a storefront in Historic Manassas to host their businesses, Tilly & Teal Wedding and Events and Sarandipity Photography.

Eight years ago, the pair combined their collective talents and teamed up to make their mark on their respective industries. In 2016, Baynard launched Tilly & Teal out of her then-apartment above The Bone BBQ.

Fredericksburg City Flags Lowered to Honor Former Mayor Lawrence A. Davies

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 13, 2024 at 9:10AM

Mayor Lawrence A. Davies

The City of Fredericksburg is mourning the death of former Mayor Lawrence A. Davies, who served as Mayor for 20 years. Davies, Fredericksburg’s first African American elected official, served as a Councilmember starting in 1966 and as Mayor from 1976 to 1996. Davies passed on Sunday, Aug. 11 at the age of 94.

The city has lowered flags to half-mast to mark Davies’ passing.

Mary Washington Healthcare Expands Midwifery Services Amid Local Women’s Health Office Closures

By Kelly Sienkowski

Published August 12, 2024 at 9:30AM

Mary Washington Healthcare's Midwives (Photo | Mary Washington Healthcare)

Mary Washington Healthcare has launched a new midwifery program, the largest of its kind in the region. The program offers both inpatient and outpatient care, supported by a team of seven certified nurse midwives.

Expecting mothers can receive prenatal care at two locations in Stafford and Spotsylvania, with deliveries at Stafford Hospital. The program aims to provide personalized, low-intervention care from prenatal visits through postpartum support. Patients will have access to prenatal education, labor and delivery support, lactation services, and postpartum care.

Two Adults Seriously Injured in Head-On Crash on Route 17 in Stafford County

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 11, 2024 at 10:01PM

A serious head-on collision on Route 17 (Warrenton Road) in south Stafford County left two adults with significant injuries late Saturday night. The crash occurred at approximately 9:32 p.m. near the intersection of Warrenton Road and Cardinal Forest Drive and involved two vehicles.

According to initial reports, five people, including two children, were inside one of the vehicles. The two adults in the car suffered severe injuries and were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The two children were also taken to a hospital suffering “significant trauma.” The condition of the third person is unknown.

Manassas City Public Schools Set Welcome 7,700 Students Back for the New Academic Year

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 11, 2024 at 2:58PM

On Monday, August 12, Manassas City Public Schools will open its doors for the first day of the 2024-2025 school year, welcoming back 7,700 students. The students will return to five elementary schools, four middle and intermediate schools, and one high school.

Free School Meals for All Students

From Headlines to Hospitality: Fredericksburg’s Historic Newspaper Site Transforms into The Publisher Hotel, Welcoming Guests to a New Era of Tourism

By Mike Salmon

Published August 11, 2024 at 12:47PM | Updated August 11, 2024 at 3:00PM

Adam, the valet parking coordinator, stands out front on opening day on Friday, July 19, overlooking a newly paved lot, driveway, and entrance to the new hotel. “It’s fully open,” he said. There are a few parking spots out front, but the hotel has more parking in the parking garage across the street.

The Publisher is part of Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio, managed locally by Ragland at Greenwood Hospitality. The 98-room hotel features penthouse suites, guest rooms, 2,000 square feet of event space, and dining facilities in the Five Chophouse restaurant. The hotel rooms are called “upscale,” the lowest-priced room on the website is a Traditional King Room at the Member Rate, which is flexible for $246 a night. The rates topped out at $409 per night for a King Suite.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger to Visit Fredericksburg Site of Recent Train Derailment

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 11, 2024 at 12:32PM | Updated August 11, 2024 at 12:49PM

Spanberger

Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D) will visit the site of a recent train derailment in Fredericksburg on August 14, 2024. The visit will occur from 8 to 9 a.m. at the VRE parking lot, specifically at the gravel lot behind VRE parking lots G & H. The entrance to the lot is located at the corner of Prince Edward and Frederick Street. Spanberger will then travel to the Railway Yard Gate at 1400 Railroad Avenue. Members of the Fredericksburg City Council are expected to attend.

A CSX train derailed on July 19, 2024, near Cobblestone Drive. Several rail cars derailed, damaging a garage adjacent to the Cobblestone Square apartment complex. No hazardous materials were involved, and no injuries were reported.

Tornado Confirmed in Stafford County

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 11, 2024 at 10:51AM

The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado touched down in Stafford County on Thursday, August 8, 2024. The tornado was part of the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby as it moved through the area.

The tornado, classified as an EF-1, struck the Glendie area of Poplar Road near Route 17. It traveled seven miles with winds reaching up to 90 mph. The tornado was on the ground from 7:49 to 8:01 p.m. No injuries were reported.

Two Kayakers Rescued from Rappahannock River

By Uriah Kiser

Published August 10, 2024 at 9:46PM

Stafford County Fire and Rescue and Fredericksburg Fire Department successfully rescued two kayakers from the Rappahannock River on Friday night, August 9, 2024. Despite strong currents and challenging conditions, both kayakers were safely brought to shore without injury. A Stafford County fire and rescue spokeswoman said the two were both adult women.

Press release: